Matthew 5:14-16

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16

I saw Christ shining in one of the smallest towns I know. Back when I graduated from college, I went on a mission trip to Brazil. We went to a small little town called Jaicos in the middle of...well...no where. We stopped in 4 separate cities in Brazil by plane, and drove 6 hours by bus to get to this town in the middle of no where. But it was a city on a hill. You could see the lights coming up from the distance amidst the darkness.

We went there to build a church. The frame was made for us, but we needed to put on the roof, put electricity in, pour the cement floor, and a ton of other odds and ends jobs. And on our last night in Jaicos, the job was finished, and there was a brand new church, set on one of the highest points of the city. And it was that night, I walked back from the church to my hotel room and as I looked back, I was able to see the lights of the church still shining as bright as day.

It was on that night, I truly understood this verse. You see, Brazil has many problems, especially in this town with things like rape, premarital sex, drugs, and alcoholism. Some people will squander their whole paycheck on drinks, that they don't even have food for their families. but here was a group of about 75 Christ-following believers. Here were people who took a stand to say, "We follow a different crowd." Here were people who loved God and wanted everyone in their town to know it. Here were people who truly let their light shine.

As you go out today, let the Light of Christ shine to everyone you meet. Whether it's a simple compliment, or nice act, whatever...just shine your light strongly, so others may know you have a powerful God within you.